In a region as vast and diverse as ASEAN is in its political, legal, cultural and social systems, it is not surprising that national interests often take precedence over regional interests. It must be recognized that national priorities for the alleviation of poverty in member states take precedence over what many still perceive to be lofty ideals of environmental sustainability. Most political and economic leaders do not yet accept “sustainable development,” however short-sighted that may be. Many new and emerging environmental problems have left policy makers in ASEAN, like the rest of the world, wrestling with how best to tackle these issues. These uncertainties are compounded by other factors that come into play, such as the repeated financial crises that may prevent environment-related decisions from moving forward. It also takes time to change deep-seated mindsets of policy makers and other stakeholders in regard to environmental issues.

While ASEAN has progressed at a pace that is comfortable for all states in the region, in an organic, evolutionary way, the environment lacks such luxury of time. Environmental disruption is growing across ASEAN, and climate change and other environmental disasters call into question the gradualist approach that has characterized ASEAN's past patterns of integration through law.

A more integrated, cohesive ASEAN can emerge from ASEAN's people-to-people approach of those who “think ASEAN.” This evolved ASEAN Way would reflect consensus in favor of rapid development of action plans and collaboration. It would recognize that the region has a need to care for ASEAN as an integrated community, with shared values and a common vision.

At present this vision is not a reality, but a long-term goal, and ASEAN continues to reiterate the importance of environmental cooperation (as in other areas) to achieve its vision as it does in the Bangkok Resolution on ASEAN Environmental Cooperation 2012. While it has not been achieved much hope lies in ASEAN young people. ASEAN is actively engaging youth in the region to promote ASEAN identity through cultural heritage and other methods such as environmental education to impart knowledge and awareness. To that end, ASEAN has adopted an ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan. For ASEAN to realize its vision, there must be a change of mindset that no longer considers integration as interference in internal affairs, in the traditional sense.